UCSD found itself in a favorable position in the most recent National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Sears Director’s Cup Standings, released Dec. 20, 2001.
Guardian
The Sears Director’s Cup is awarded annually to the best athletic program in each NCAA division. Points are awarded based on an institution’s finish in up to 14 sports — seven men’s and seven women’s. Each national champion receives 100 points for winning, while those who made the NCAA finals receive 20-90 points based on their finishes.
The Tritons currently have 216 points, 26 more than after last year’s fall season. The Tritons ended up finishing in fourth place in 2000-01, their first season at the Division II level.
“”To say I was proud [of UCSD’s fourth place finish] was an understatement,”” said UCSD Athletic Director Earl Edwards. “”To finish fourth was a direct reflection on the quality of coaches and athletes we have at UCSD.””
Teams picking up points in the fall this year were women’s soccer (100 points), women’s volleyball (75 points, third place), and men’s cross country (41 points, 15th place).
With men’s and women’s swimming and diving squads appearing stronger than last season and the fencing team dominating the west coast, the Tritons look to improve on last season’s 524-point total.
“”I think our chances are relatively good to finish in the top 10,”” Edwards said.
UCSD will also look to pick up points in the spring from the tennis and track and field teams, which both scored points last year. Edwards is also hoping to get points from softball and women’s crew.
“”I’m hoping based on last year, softball came close to qualifying for NCAA playoffs that they might be able to pick up some points for us,”” Edwards said.
The NCAA recently instituted a separate Division II championship for women’s crew (in the past all schools competed in one division), which should give the Triton rowers a chance to pick up points.
Western State in Colorado leads the standings with 260 points. UC Davis, however, appears to be in the best position to win its third consecutive Director’s Cup. With 224.5 points, the Aggies are currently in third place but are traditionally stronger in winter and spring sports.
“”Their track and cross-country teams have been stronger than ours in the past, and they are helped in that they have a football team to earn points and we don’t,”” Edwards said. “”I do expect we’ll be doing better in those areas.””
Davis took home the 2000-01 award with 703 points, after picking up only 226 points after the fall season.
“”I actually have a challenge with the Davis athletic director,”” Edwards said. “”I told him we’re going to take it away from them.””
However, Edwards is looking at contributions from more than just the athletes.
“”I want to take the opportunity to thank all the fans,”” Edwards said. “”We’ve already seen increased fans in the stands, which definitely helps us in the Sears Directors’ Cup race.””
